Whitburn Junior Social Football Club, a local soccer club in Bathgate, recently faced off against bottom side Vale of Leithen in an action-packed game. The team started strong with their two new signings, Pearse Carroll and Kevin Fotheringham, eager to turn their recent run of bad form around.
In the first half, Whitburn completely dominated the game, creating numerous chances. However, Vale of Leithen managed to score two goals in just three minutes, bringing the score level. Just before the halftime whistle, Sammy Watson scored a crucial goal, putting Whitburn back in the lead.
Throughout the first half, there were plenty of exciting moments. A fantastic cross from Darren Liddell almost led to a goal, but it was inadvertently knocked into the net by Vale's Michael Tys. Harrison Edwards also had a shot blocked after receiving a pass from Watson. Liddell and Carroll also came close to scoring, but their shots were saved.
In the 29th minute, Carroll unleashed a powerful shot from 25 yards out, which was excellently saved by Vale's goalkeeper, Christopher Malcolm. However, just two minutes later, Edwards received a cross from Fotheringham, turned, and found the bottom corner of the net with a powerful shot, restoring Whitburn's lead.
As the game went on, Daniel Taylor managed to break through Whitburn's defence and scored for Vale, bringing the scoreline even once again. Taylor's impressive performance continued as he was awarded a penalty, which James Flynn converted, leaving the home supporters stunned.
However, Whitburn didn't give up. In added time, Watson's shot from 12 yards out found the back of the net when Vale of Leithen's defence failed to clear the ball. At the start of the second half, another excellent cross from Fotheringham set up Crawford to restore Whitburn's two-goal lead.
At this point, Carroll was substituted for Jack Henderson, who had performed admirably during the game. As expected, Whitburn hoped to dominate the game, but Taylor managed to break through the defence once again and calmly slotted the ball home, reducing the deficit.
Whitburn continued to push for more goals, with Crawford taking a shot that was tipped over by Malcolm. Fotheringham and Henderson also had opportunities to score, but their shots were saved. With 27 minutes left on the clock, Crawford, Edwards, and Liddell were replaced by Andy Johnston, Owen Main, and Ally McInnes.
In the 29th minute, a cross from Andy Thomson was cleared out to Henderson, who unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box, finding the back of the net. McInnes had a chance to extend the lead but failed to trouble the goalkeeper with his shot from the six-yard box. Fotheringham also had an opportunity to score his first goal for Whitburn but headed straight at the keeper.
Just before the final whistle, Johnston was fouled in the box and converted the penalty, securing a three-goal victory for Whitburn. This win was a much-needed boost for the team, putting an end to their recent bad form.
Whitburn Junior Social Football Club invites all interested players to join them in their upcoming soccer event. Come and experience the thrill of the game and support your local soccer club!
